Deciding between Starry vs Starlink can be challenging as both providers promise a strong global internet coverage.
Starlink may be fairly new, but already a more popular name than most early providers and compete well with giant services like Starry.
We explore the difference between these two providers and help you make an informed decision on the best service your internet needs.
Table of Contents
Starry vs. Starlink: Side-by-Side Comparison
Starry and Starlink are actively strengthening their services and expanding their networks.
We compare them based on their current state, which continues to grow as they develop and improve their satellite internet services.
Technology and Network Architecture
Starlink employs a satellite constellation system consisting of thousands of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
The satellites are much closer to the Earth than the traditional geostationary satellites, which helps reduce latency.
The network architecture involves these LEO networks forming a mesh network, communicating with each other and with ground stations to provide internet connectivity.
Users receive internet signals through a dish antenna installed at their premises, communicating with the satellite.
On the other hand, Starry utilizes a fixed wireless technology called millimeter wave (MMW) for its internet service.
The network architecture involves deploying small transmitters, Starry Beams, on rooftops or poles.
This beam transmits high-frequency MMW directly to subscriber receivers, such as the Starry station, a Modem, and a WiFi router.
The company strategically located Sarry Beams to create a coverage network in urban areas.
Trail of satellites in low earth orbit
Speed and Performance
Starlink provides high-speed internet access, particularly in remote areas.
Its speed varies depending on several factors, including network congestion and geographical location.
However, users report download speeds ranging between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps.
Upload speed ranges from 10 Mbps to 50 Mbps. It is important to note that as Starlink expands its satellite constellation and improves its network, the speeds may vary and increase over time.
Conversely, Starry offers an impressive speed using its millimeter wave fixed wireless technology.
Users can typically experience download speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 300 Mbps.
However, its speed may vary depending on the distance from Sarry transistors and local network congestion.
The Starry MMW signal has shorter range limitations than Starlink’s satellite network.
That said, the distance from the transmitter can affect the performance.
Coverage and Accessibility
Starlink aims to provide global coverage, especially in remote areas, using low Earth orbit satellites.
The advantage of LEO satellites is that they offer a wider coverage compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
Starlink targets place with nonexistent traditional broadband options, enabling connectivity in rural areas.
Nevertheless, Starry offers limited coverage compared to Starlink. It focuses on apartment buildings in densely populated regions.
The network deployment primarily targets the urban environment, where they strategically place their Starry Beam transmitters.
Starry coverage is only within the cities or neighborhoods within urban areas.
Equipment and Installation
Starlink installation requires a satellite dish, a tripod or mount, a power supply, cables and a WiFi router.
The dish antenna, or Starlink dish, is the primary equipment communicating with the Starlink satellite constellation to establish an internet connection.
In the Starlink installation process, you mount the Starlink dish in a place with a clear view of the sky.
You must connect the Starlink dish to the provided Starlink modem and power supply. The dish communicates with the Starlink satellite to establish internet access.
With Starry, you need Starry stations, a combination of a modem and a WiFi router.
The Starry station offers a user-friendly interface for managing the internet connection and WiFi network.
Additionally, you need a Starry receiver or compatible equipment to receive the MMW signals from other Starry Beams.
To set up Starry, you must connect the Starry station to its existing wiring or coaxial cable.
Depending on the installation equipment, you can install a Starry receiver to receive the MMW signals from Starry Beams.
Place it in a central location on the premises for optimal coverage.
Rectangular Starlink internet receiver
Starry vs. Starlink: Cost and Plan
Starry Internet offers its users five monthly subscription plans ranging from $30-$80. However, it is cheaper than Starlink.
Besides, you can boost their upload speed in some selected areas by an extra $5 monthly.
Standard Starlink costs $110/ month with the hardware coming with a one-time fee of $599.
Business plan hardware can cost up to $2,500 one-time fees followed by $250 monthly fees.
FAQs
What is Better than Starlink?
For a fast and reliable internet connection in remote areas, Starlink will be hard to beat.
SpaceX introduced this service with the aim of improving internet coverage in areas where traditional connections haven’t been explored.
However, 5G network and cable internet connections offer better speed and are common in urban areas.
Is Starry Internet Fast?
Starry offers internet speed that is faster than most services in the industry.
The service promises up to 1 Gbps, and most users report a download speed between 200-300 Mbps.
Is Starry Internet Expanding?
Starry is still in business and is expanding. However, the company admitted to be struggling financially, which could be the reason behind its slow expansion.
So, Which One Should I Choose?
Sarry and Starlink are prominent internet providers offering high-speed internet connectivity.
However, the two companies seem to have different focuses.
You can choose Starlink if you want reliable internet connectivity in remote areas where other services struggle to access.
Starry tends to focus on urban internet connection.
Given its speed, it is a better option than Starlink in urban areas.
